Secret of Mana for iDevices may not be the full-remake that some fans might have expected (especially when it lacks the co-op), but it's still an incredible classic RPG that genre fans should add to their collection.

Secret of Mana is a genuine classic in every sense of the word. Square’s SNES epic is still a hell of a play. There are some issues with this iPhone port like occasionally futzy controls and the loss of multiplayer (come on – use Game Center), but fans that haven’t picked up a version of it elsewhere will still get quite a bit of mileage out of Secret of Mana on iOS.

Like a game of telephone, Secret of Mana has passed from one platform to another and lost something along the way. In relaying the superb gameplay of this action role-playing saga, Square Enix has wisely left the core mechanics intact - no changes to combat, character customisation, or story. The reception is less than stellar when it comes to the virtual controls and the decision to cut multiplayer. Despite these shortfalls, the game is still enjoyable and still recommended, even if it hasn't been remastered in an ideal fashion.

While it can’t be quantified, there’s a certain level of old-school bliss associated with Secret of Mana that most newcomers probably won’t care for. The destination to advance the plot is often obscure and can be easily forgotten. Even the much-improved graphics show their age but remain pleasant to this day. After all, it’s glorious the Mode 7 graphics we’re talking about. The iPhone port is far from perfect, but it’s Secret of Mana. You can do much worse.